30 September 2016 – MEDIA RELEASE - HUTT VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

Don’t run out of time, vote early on ‘Vote Day’

Voting packs have been sent to enrolled voters and to make sure you have your say the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry is urging people to post their papers well before polls close.

Postal voting for the 2016 local elections runs from 16 September and all voting papers must be returned to the relevant partner by midday on 8 October.

As part of its Vote2016 campaign to lift voter turnout to over 50 per cent for the first time since the 1980s, and to create a civic buzz around the process of voting, Local Government New Zealand is urging people to post their papers on Saturday 1 October – or ‘Vote Day’.

Chief executive, Mark Futter says this is a good initiative to encourage people to get their papers mailed in time to be counted. “Some of the main reasons people give for not voting are they forgot, ran out of time or were too busy,” Futter says.

“So to make sure people give themselves the best chance to have their say we are encouraging people to vote early on ‘Vote Day’. It’s a Saturday and good week out from the close of the polls so the perfect opportunity to make a day of it and get involved in the democratic process.”

Mr Futter says it is important Kiwis participate in the selection of the people who will make decisions that affect most people’s lives on a daily basis. “Local government shapes the place that you live. It’s the pavements you walk on, the roads you drive on, the water in your shower, and the parks, libraries and swimming pool where you take the kids,” Futter says.

“The local government elections are a one-in-three-year opportunity to have your say and be counted.”

This year LGNZ has run the Vote2016 campaign, which aims to lift voter turnout in local elections to more than 50 per cent for the first time since the 1980s. “Voters can still post their papers after 1 October, but there is no harm in doing it earlier,” Futter says.

“By voting you can make a real difference and give your support to those candidates who have the values and policies to strengthen local economies and revitalise our communities.”

What: ‘Vote Day’

When: 1 October 2016

Why: Make sure you have your say by voting early

How: Visit https://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/postshop-kiwibank-locator to find your nearest post box or office.

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For more information visit www.vote2016.co.nz

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